Company: NOLAIR Drones
Location: Nigeria (Hybrid/Remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: 8% Founding Equity (Salary to be introduced after funding or sustainable company revenue)
About NOLAIR Drones
NOLAIR Drones is a Nigerian aerospace and drone technology startup developing advanced unmanned aerial systems for public safety, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, mapping and surveying, environmental monitoring, and security applications.
Our mission is to build reliable, innovative drone technology designed in Africa to solve real-world challenges across the continent and beyond.
We are seeking an ambitious and execution-focused Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our founding leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to help build one of Africa's next-generation aerospace companies from the ground up.
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## Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee the company's day-to-day operations and ensure strategic initiatives are executed efficiently. The COO will work closely with the Founder & CEO to build scalable operational systems, recruit and lead teams, establish partnerships, improve internal processes, and drive sustainable business growth.
As a founding executive, the COO will play a critical role in shaping the company's culture, operational excellence, and long-term success.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the company's daily operations and execution strategy.
- Develop operational policies, procedures, and standard operating processes (SOPs).
- Build and manage high-performing teams across engineering, operations, sales, customer success, and administration.
- Coordinate product development timelines with engineering teams.
- Ensure operational readiness for drone manufacturing, testing, deployment, and customer support.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor company performance.
- Manage budgets, operational planning, and resource allocation.
- Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, enterprise clients, research institutions, and industry stakeholders.
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Improve organizational efficiency through process optimization.
- Support fundraising by preparing operational reports and participating in investor meetings.
- Ensure compliance with aviation, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee project delivery, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aviation Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, business management, engineering management, manufacturing, logistics, aviation, or technology leadership.
- Minimum of 3 years managing cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to build and improve operational systems.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience managing budgets and operational planning.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
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Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Experience in the drone, aerospace, robotics, aviation, defense, or technology industry.
- Experience scaling startups from early-stage to growth-stage.
- Experience with fundraising, investor relations, and strategic planning.
- Familiarity with aviation regulations and quality management systems.
- Experience working with government agencies or enterprise clients.
- International business development experience is an advantage.
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Required Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Business Operations
- Operational Excellence
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Financial Planning
- Budget Management
- Business Development
- Organizational Development
- Process Improvement
- Risk Management
- Negotiation
- Stakeholder Management
- Performance Management
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Change Management
- Startup Operations
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What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate:
- Thinks like a founder and long-term owner.
- Is passionate about building innovative technology in Africa.
- Is highly organized and execution-focused.
- Can make data-driven decisions under pressure.
- Is comfortable wearing multiple hats in an early-stage startup.
- Leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Is willing to help build the company from its early stages into a global aerospace business.
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Compensation
This is a Founding Executive position.
- 8% Equity
- Salary to commence after successful fundraising or sustainable company revenue.
- Opportunity to participate in future executive compensation and performance incentives.
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Why Join NOLAIR Drones?
- Become a founding executive of an ambitious aerospace startup.
- Own a meaningful stake in the company's future.
- Help shape Africa's drone and aerospace industry.
- Work with cutting-edge autonomous technologies.
- Build products that improve public safety, infrastructure management, environmental protection, and emergency response.
- Opportunity for long-term executive leadership and wealth creation through equity ownership.
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Equal Opportunity
NOLAIR Drones is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We value innovation, collaboration, integrity, and excellence.
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## How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- LinkedIn Profile
- Portfolio or examples of operational achievements (if applicable)
Join us in building the future of African aerospace technology.
[email protected]